Every October, the internet—nay, the world—pauses in its tracks to cast ballots and what might be the only election left that is fully aware that it’s a joke: Fat Bear Week.

It’s a single-elimination tournament where brown bears unknowingly compete in a weight contest as they pack on body mass by devouring crazy volumes of salmon in their preparation for the brutal winter ahead.

This year’s title went to a fan-favorite named Chunk—a 1,200-pound brown bear who triumphed despite a broken jaw and years of mere victories that would have ended in heartbreak if it had any idea it was in the middle of a competition.

Known officially as Bear 32, Chunk finally clinched the crown after finishing second in three previous contests. His formidable final round opponent, Bear 856, had already taken ou

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